Kalmer wins the Pietermaritzburg SPAR Women's 10km

KALMER WINS PIETERMARITZBURG SPAR WOMEN’S 10KM

It was pretty much a solo run for Rene Kalmer as she took top honours in the Pietermaritzburg SPAR Women’s 10km today in a time of 34.13 on an icey winter’s morning in KZN’s Capital.

The field of 3800 participants braved the cold as the temperature plummeted to 2 degrees earlier this morning but had risen to about 5 degrees at the start of the race.

“This is the first time I have run this race in Pietermaritzburg, and I was happy with my performance. I felt very strong. The weather didn’t bother me – we are used to these temperatures in Johannesburg.” said Kalmer who sliced off 1 minute 11 seconds from last year’s winner Jenna Challenor’s time of 35.24.

Second and third place were owned by Nolene Conrad and Sithulisiwe Zhou both also running their debut Pietermaritzburg races.

Capetonian Nolene Conrad, who has been concentrating on her marathon running, sailed into the finish in second place in a time of 35.37. “I had a good race , but it was a bit of a difficult run with all the hills. My legs were really cold and only in the last three kilometres did I feel like I warmed up.” 

Zimbabwean Sithulisiwe Zhou was over the moon with her third position in a time of 36.16. “It was fantastic.” she enthused, “I am training for the Mandela Marathon, so I am really pleased to have been able to run with such elite runners like Rene and Nolene .”

Going through the halfway mark, Kalmer looked at complete ease as she took the palm-lined avenue up the hill through Alexandra Park a good 20 seconds ahead of Conrad.

KZN’s Tanith Maxwell, running in and winning in her category (35-39), came in fourth.

“Once again there was a great spirit amongst the participants at this year’s race.” said Rob Philipson, MD SPAR KZN. “Despite the bitter cold, the mood was festive and fun-filled, clearly dispelling all myths about this being Sleepy Hollow.”

“We are encouraged that this race is growing in stature and we are attracting elite runners such as Rene, Nolene, Tanith and Sithulisiwe.” Philipson continued.

A sum of R10 200 raised from a percentage of the entry fees was donated to the race charity CHOC.

The next SPAR Women’s 10/5km in KZN will take place on Sunday August 24 in Durban and is part of the SPAR Grand Prix.

Results

10KM

Open

1 Rene Kalmer (Modern Athlete) 34.13, 2 Nolene Conrad (Boxer AC) 35.37, 3 Sithulisiwe Zhou (Phantane) 36.16, 4 Tanith Maxwell (Boxer AC) 36.43, Keneilwe Sesing (Nedbank) 37.13

9-11

1 Thabelo Tshishonga 1.25.47, 2 Tasmiyah Essack 1.33.11, 3 Kendra Visagie 1.48.04

12-14

1 Kaydie Gouws 1.46.49, 2 Kate-Lyn Gouws 1.47.52, 3 Milan Comley 1.50.06

15 – 19

1 Nontlantla Gcinia 40.34, 2 Mbali Mtshali 40.37, 3 Nomusa Xaba 42.41

35 – 39

1 Tanith Maxwell (Boxer AC) 36.43, 2 Nonsikelelo Mbambo (Natal Carbineers) 41.37, 3 Michelle Ellis 44.05

40-49

1 Suzette Botha (Eskom) 38.36, 2 Janene Carey (Boxer AC) 39.21, 3 Marilise Vermaak 43.52

50 -59

1 Janine Engels (Westville Athletics) 44.23, 2 Jenny Taylor 54.27, 3 Trish Botton (Natal Carbineers) 1.00.09

60+

1 Judith Grove (Hilton Harriers) 49.53, 2 Jane Dickson 50.24, 3 Sandra Fismer (Hilton Harriers) 50.36

5KM

1 Londeka Mweli 20.20, 2 Nombuso Ndamane 20.21, 3 Sinenhlanhla Zondi 20.33, 4 Fezeka Mchunu 20.47, 5 Sthandile Dladla 21.16

-ENDS

June 22, 2014

Challenor takes the SPAR Women's 10km Run in Pietermaritzburg

SPAR Women’s 10/5km Race – Pietermaritzburg

The Oval, Pietermaritzburg: Sunday 8 September

Jenna Challenor annihilated the field with a massive lead of 3.35 in the SPAR Women’s 10km race held in Pietermaritzburg on Sunday in a time of 35.24.

From the start, 300m into the race Challenor looked to have a commanding position with the rest of the 3,200 runners filing in behind her.

“It was a windy, hot and dry race out on the road. The route was challenging, standing on the start line and we were all ready eyeing out the first hill. It was a testing up and down race; the hills of Maritzburg are tough!” Challenor commented after the race.

Continuing, the leading lady revealed, “This is my third big race on the trot, last weekend in Pretoria I gave it my all coming in fifth in the SPAR race. I felt strong but am fightening off the flu and have a niggling hamstring.”

Concluding, Challenor said, “There is a chance that I will be running in the SA Cross Country Champs in Potchefstroom next weekend but after the run today, my body is tired! Running three major races I wouldn’t mind a break.”

Pocket dynamite, Poppy Mlambo lost her title to the in-form Challenor, finishing second, “The race was ok, the conditions were hot and dry. I have been training in Durban for the last month, so have adjusted to the humidity but the berg wind was unforgiving.”

Mlambo has been concentrating on the longer distances this year, having competed in six marathons, she is preparing for the Soweto Marathon taking place in November.

In the 5km race, two seconds separated the first two ladies, young Fezeka Mchunu snatched victory from the defending champion Natascha Hartmann with a time of 20:43 on the clock, Hartmann finishing her run in 20:45.

The Race Director, Brad Glasspoole said, “We have had complimentary feedback about the new route; the reality is we will never have a fast and flat route in Pietermaritzburg, but we have tried to make it as easy as possible for the ladies.”

“Congratulations to all the athletes that turned out today. The enthusiasm shown at the race with so many bright and colourful people making an effort to dress up, fabulous to see! We had a very good turnout despite the blustery berg wind and dry and warm conditions. Thank you Pietermaritzburg for supporting us and helping us make out event so successful!” Rob Philipson, MD of SPAR KZN commented.

Over 3,200 runners took to the course around the Oval sporting precinct, 78 year old Joan Schoeman was the oldest runner to complete the 10km, finishing in a time of 1.36:20 while the youngest was Gcini Kubheka finishing in a time of 1.32:26.

Overall Result

10km

1 Jenna Challenor (Boxer) 35:24, 2 Poppy Mlambo (Boxer) 38:49, 3 Makhosazane Mhlongco (Savages) 39:03, 4 Keneilwe Sesing 39:35, 5 Slindile Chici 40:18, 6 Nomcebo Mthethwa 40:54, 7 Amanda Bradshaw 41:10, 8 Grace De Oliveira (Boxer) 42:56, 9 Tsepani Mlefe 44:27, 10 Lindo Gabela 44:40

9 – 14

1 Sindle Mbanjwa 1.14:50, 2 Nonkazimulo Mthembu 1.35:08, Sibusisiwe Majola 1:35:26

15-19

1 Slindile Chici 40:18, 2 Gina Williams 45:08, 3 Mbali Mtshali 45:49

Senior

1 Jenna Challenor (Boxer) 35:24, 2 Poppy Mlambo (Boxer) 38:49, 3 Makhosazane Mhlongco (Savages) 39:03

35 – 39

1 Michelle Lloysellis 45:06, 2 Wendy Durow 46:43, 3 Simone Smale 48:09

40 – 49

1 Sibongile Ziqubu 46:55, 2 Xolisile Mwelase 48:37, 3 Christa Du Plessis 51:46

50 – 59

1 Grace De Oliveira 42:56, 2 Janine Engels 47:22, 3 Debby De Koning 50:11

60 +

1 Judith Grove 50:39, 2 Jane Dickinson 52:54, 3 Patricia Fisher 59:39

5km

1 Fezeka Mchunu 20:43, 2 Natascha Hartmann 20:45, 3 Noshila Phungula 21:24, 4 Londeka Mweli 21:32, 5 Sinenhlanhla Zondi 21:49

On The Couch with SA Olympic Marathon Runner Rene Kalmer

1 Favourite dessert / sweet

Belgian Waffle with caramel sauce.

2 Favourite movie

How to loose a guy in 10days.

3 If you could go see any band live, who would it be?

Train

4 Have you ever arrived at an event and discovered you didn’t have your running shoes? (I know Russian Basketball captain has arrived at an international game with no shoes and a mate of mine recently went travelling with two right shoes)

No, luckily not! I have a checklist. Racers - check, running vest -check. race number - check, energy drink- check, stopwatch - check.

5 Best road trip to an event?

December 2011, my sister, Christine and I went to Zanzibar. We used local transport, daladalas (2$) instead of 50$ Taxi rides,to save money for cocktails. The highlight was when we swam with dolphins at Kizimkazi.

6 A moment that stands out for you while competing? (Can be running down The Mall in London, seeing someone in the crowd or a light drizzle as you compete against millions in China)

Running the marathon at the Olympic Games was a career highlight especially seeing all the support on route in the pouring rain.

7 What do you think about while running?

Just keep running! Just keep running!

8 Best conditions to run in?

Sunny, not too hot or humid! No wind or rain. Basically Durban in the winter.

9 If you could shake anyone’s hand and hang out with them for half an hour, who would it be?

Paula Radcliffe

10 A day in the life of an SA Marathon runner entails…

Get up at 5am to do a morning run with Christine, sometimes Irvette joins us.

Breakfast, before a 9am Pilates classor gym session at Virgin Active.

A sport massage once a week, not so pleasant experience.

An hour nap before I meet my coach Gerrie Coetzee at the track for a quality workout.

11 Best part of the London Olympics?

Th London Olympics was one big highlight. Staying in the Olympic Village with 10 000 Sport stars. The dining hall that's open for 24hours and can seat 5 000 people at a time. All the freebies from generous sponsors like Adidas and Oakley. Having a lot of family and friends in London to support me, all wearing "Run Rene Run" t-shirts that was designed by Christine. of course coming back from London with a boyfriend...

 
12 Favourite destination (Can be to compete or for holidays)

Island anywhere

13 New Year’s resolutions – did you make any and have you stuck to it / broken them yet.

Not big on New Year's resolutions or keeping them.

These are daft either or questions… 
14 Early morning catches the worm or late night owl?

Early morning catches the worm.

15 Sugar or spice?

Spice

16 10km or Marathon?

10km, especially a Spar Ladies 10km

17 Left or Right foot first

Left

18 Rugby, soccer or Cricket? (Give team names)

Rugby! Big Cheetah supporter

On The Couch with SA Olympic Marathon Runner Tanith Maxwell

Caught up with SA Olympic Marathon Runner, Tanith Maxwell after she came ninth in the Berlin 25km race. She is preparing for the upcoming SPAR Women's 10/5km Race

1 Favourite dessert / sweet?

Desserts in general are a favourite, but I guess crème brûlée edges ahead of everything else!

2 Favourite movie?

Enjoy historical movies, but I think 'atonement' stands out above the rest!

3 If you could go see any band live, who would it be?

I honestly don't know! I like music, but am not into live concerts so nothing comes to mind!

4 Have you ever arrived at an event and discovered you didn’t have your running shoes?

Not quite as bad as no shoes, but I did arrive with no liners in my shoes! It was a very hard run and the blisters were dreadful!

5 Best road trip to an event?

I think it has to be traveling down to race the 'Voet of Afrika' in Bredasdorp! Had never been there and I had quite a raucous bunch of runners that I had organized a lift with! Not the usual way I travel to events!

6 A moment that stands out for you while competing?

I think stepping onto Tower Bridge in London during the Virgin London Marathon! It's such an amazing landmark and to have the whole bridge to yourself makes it extra special!

7 What do you think about while running?

Get asked this a lot and I really have to sit and think about it! Easy runs I can think about literally anything, but harder training sessions ......well then nothing!

8 Best conditions to run in?

Being a Durbanite I like the warmer conditions! Tried to run a race in March in Poland and couldn't get my legs to function properly!

9 If you could shake anyone’s hand and hang out with them for half an hour, who would it be?

The Queen, Queen Elizabeth! Have always been an avid supporter of the English monarchy and Queen Elizabeth is a remarkable figure!

10 A day in the life of an SA Marathon runner entails…

Gosh there is not much besides eating, training and sleeping! It really does get that monotonous and boring during heavy training!

11 Best part of the London Olympics?

Have to give you two! First, walking into the stadium for the opening ceremony and the second coming down the finish of the Olympic marathon in the Mall outside Buckingham Palace! Both magical moments!

12 Favourite destination?

Love Scotland! Nothing beats training in the highlands around a picturesque loch! The weather can let you down though!

13 New Year’s resolutions – did you make any and have you stuck to it / broken them yet

Don't make New Year’s resolutions! Some friends and family tend to make for me, but I never stick to those either!

14 Early morning catches the worm or late night owl?

Definitely an early worm, fade significantly from 9pm!

15 Sugar or spice?

Sugar, can't get enough!

16 10km or Marathon?

Marathon for sure! Don't have the zippy 10km speed!

17 Left or Right foot first

Right! I'm right handed and not very coordinated!

18 Rugby, soccer or Cricket? (Give team names)

Has to be rugby, and it's the sharks all the way!